Carnivores/Small Mammals - Animal Care Specialist (Aide)

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species.  Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!    

BASIC FUNCTION:            

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area.  Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

1. * Prepare and distribute food as directed.
2. * Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare.  Keep animal records as assigned. 
3. * Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment.  Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned.  Report maintenance needs.  Perform minor maintenance as assigned.
4. * Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned. 
5. * Develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed. 
6. * Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of property. 
7. *  Communicate with and assist guests.  Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
8. *Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. 
9. * Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area.  Read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned. 
10. Other related duties as assigned.   

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent required. 
• Animal care facility, farm or kennel, or other equivalent animal experience required.

• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• Good interpersonal skills.  The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• Good decision-making skills.  Must be alert and make sound, independent judgment.
• Ability to accurately perform job duties.

• Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of BZC’s mission statement, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures.
• Must be reliable.

• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

• Valid driver's license required.  Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
• For Marine Mammal positions, SCUBA Certification required upon hire. 

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• For Marine Aquatic positions SCUBA Certification is a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  This is a full-time, temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.  This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform. 

• Responsibility for Society Property:  Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.
• Responsibility for Safety of Others:  Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed.  Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and take action to remedy or report these as appropriate.
• Contacts:  Primary contacts include staff, professional associates, volunteers, docents, interns, and guests.
• Other Qualifications and Characteristics:  Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare.  Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels.  Must possess ability to adjust quickly to changes, and represent the BZC in a professional manner at all times. 

Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals.  Animal Care Specialist positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures.  Incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary. 

PHYSICAL-MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  See Physical-Mental Requirements Form.

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